Board of Education
The East Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education is comprised of seven elected community members who typically serve for a term of four years. Our Board of Education is committed to providing an exceptional education for every student so that they may pursue their dreams, maximize their potential, and positively contribute to the world.
On this page, you can find information about our board members, meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, policies, and other relevant documents. We invite you to explore this page to learn more about the work of our Board of Education and how we are dedicated to providing a world-class education for all students.
PRESIDENT
Mike is a 20 year resident of East moving here from the Detroit area with his wife Trish ('89 EGR) and his three daughters, Katie, Ellie, and Julia. Prior to his election to the Board in 2017, he spent seven years serving the community as a member of the EGR Schools Foundation Board. Mike is an attorney, insurance executive, and most importantly a 25+ year Detroit Lions season ticket holder. When not watching the Lions, Mike enjoys traveling with Trish and visiting his daughters all over the country.
VICE PRESIDENT
Matt Richenthal joined the Board of Education in January 2023. He runs a digital advertising company, is the President of the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation and is the father of two young daughters. When not watching Bluey with them or taking them to as many playgrounds as possible, he can be found at a Michigan State basketball or football game, walking his dog and/or spending time with friends.
TREASURER
Layla Kuhl (‘00 EGR) and her family have resided in East since 2011. Her husband, Nick, another EGR grad (‘00), and her four children, LeeAndre, Ellis, Quinn and Lincoln, span the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Layla is a licensed attorney, director of a small financial institution, and social entrepreneur. She has been involved in several PTO organizations across the district and in her role as PTOC president planned and hosted the 2022 School Board Candidate Forum. Serving in our strong PTOs is what initially prompted her interest in the school board. When not working or volunteering she enjoys swimming, biking, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
SECRETARY
Kerry Hegele and her husband, Paul, have three kids who attend East Grand Rapids schools. She is a former elementary school teacher and currently teaches at Western Michigan University. Kerry's work at WMU focuses on the development of pre-service teachers through field experiences in PK-5 schools. She enjoys volunteering in the community as the co-chair of EGR Hearts of Gold and a member of the Junior League of Grand Rapids. Outside of work, Kerry enjoys cheering on her kids, walking around Reeds Lake, sharing great food with friends and family, and exploring all four seasons in northern Michigan.
TRUSTEE
Bill Saxton is an 11-year resident of East Grand Rapids, where he lives with his wife, Barb, and their three children, Katherine, Marjorie, and William. He is a former member and vice chair of the East Grand Rapids Parks and Rec Commission, and currently serves as the Wealthy Elementary PTO Corresponding Secretary. Bill also enjoys coaching football, baseball, and soccer for many of the community’s kids.
With a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Boston University, Bill built his career as a senior computer engineer at Oracle Corporation before shifting his focus to community involvement. These days, when he’s not attending to school board duties, you can find him cooking, weightlifting, or chauffeuring his kids to their various activities around town.
TRUSTEE
Ben and his wife, Stephanie, have three boys in the East Grand Rapids Public Schools at Lakeside, Wealthy, and the Middle School. Originally from Eastown, Ben pursued a career in the U.S. Intelligence Community before he and Stephanie moved back to Michigan in 2018 to raise their kids in East Grand Rapids. Ben is a director of strategic planning and execution at a financial services firm and volunteers as an advisor to Grand Rapids Community College. Ben enjoys exploring National Parks with his family, perfecting his craft with his backyard pizza oven, and sailing with friends at GRYC.
TRUSTEE
Amy has lived in Michigan most of her life, with the last 13 years spent in East Grand Rapids. She and her husband, Nick, have two kids: Alex, a 2024 East graduate, and Lauren who will graduate in 2025. Amy is a strategy and communications consultant for local non-profit organizations and is most proud of her work spearheading the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage in Kent County. Amy and her family love to travel, especially when hiking and getting off the beaten path are involved, and she will never turn down an opportunity to sit outside on a beautiful Michigan day with a good book in her hands.
SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Kattula became Superintendent of East Grand Rapids Public Schools in 2018. Prior to her role as superintendent, Dr. Kattula has been a classroom teacher (secondary mathematics and computer science), building principal at all three levels (EL, MS, & HS), central office administrator, and intermediate school administrator (Oakland ISD).
Ms. Michelle Kastanek
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education
616-235-3535
mkastane@egrps.org